College Football Picks: September 1st 2012
USC vs. Hawaii
Pick: USC -40
CLICK HERE FOR BEN BURNS’ EXPERT COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

This isn’t the largest pointspread on the Week 1 board (LSU is laying more points against North Texas) but I feel it could easily prove to be the biggest blowout.

The Trojans were very good last year. They scored more than 35 points a game. They had a double-digit win season, including victories over the likes of Oregon and Notre Dame – they also beat up on rival UCLA by a score of 50-0.

That 2011 success didn’t get the Trojans anything, as they were still banned from the postseason. That’s no longer the case, as USC is once again eligible to compete when it matters.

Last year’s team was a young one. Now, the Trojans return with an added year of experience. After having to watch the bowls on TV last year, they’re also very hungry. Get more of Ben Burns college football picks for September 1st at Touthouse.com by visiting our expert sports picks page.

Quarterback Matt Barkley, who spent a few days this summer hanging with Peyton and Eli Manning (at their passing academy) begins the season as the Heisman Trophy frontrunner and a potential No. 1 NFL draft pick.

Barkley could already been in the NFL but returned because he wants to win a championship. Having perhaps the best tandem of wideouts in the nation (Robert Woods and Marqise Lee) doesn’t hurt. Barkley was quoted as saying: “Looking at the team we have it’s definitely something special. We’re on the rise.”

The Hawaii athletes aren’t in the same class as those playing for USC. They’re young, learning new schemes and weak on the line.

Kiffin’s first game as coach of USC came against the Warriors back on September 2nd, 2010. Laying -21 points (at Hawaii) the Trojans won by “only” 13. The Warriors threw for a whopping 459 yards and had an edge in both total yards and first downs. Things should be much different on Saturday. Kiffin’s got a couple of season’s under his belt and has his best team. Playing at home this time, I expect the Trojans to win this one going away, showing the world how far they’ve come since Kiffin came on the scene two years ago. Consider laying the large number.

MLB Baseball Picks: August 26th 2012
Seattle Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox
Pick: Chicago White Sox -160 odds
CLICK HERE FOR JACK JONES’ EXPERT PICKS

The Chicago White Sox just keep winning without getting any respect. Chicago (70-55) sits in first place in the AL Central division, and it is red hot right now. The White Sox have won five straight coming into this one, scoring a combined 32 runs in the process.

I’ll gladly fade Seattle’s Kevin Millwood, who is 4-10 with a 4.29 ERA and 1.395 WHIP over 24 starts this season. Millwood is 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA and 1.529 WHIP in his last three starts as well. This guy just needs to retire.

The White Sox are 15-3 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. The Mariners are 0-7 in Millwood’s last 7 road starts. Seattle is 1-8 in Millwood’s last 9 starts as an underdog. The White Sox are 4-0 in Floyd’s last 4 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Chicago is 33-10 in Floyd’s last 43 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Bet the White Sox Sunday.

Houston Astros vs. New York Mets
Prediction: New York Mets -1.5 -128
CLICK HERE FOR ROB VINCILETTI’S EXPERT PICKS

Saturday card has 20-0 NFLX Game of the Year a rare 6 unit side. NFLX Swept the board on Friday going 3-0 and is now on a 9-1 Preseason run. MLB A.L. Game of the Month cashes as MLB is on a 20-8 run. Today we have a Perfect totals system and the 2012 Travers Stakes selections.

On Saturday the free MLB Play is on the NY. Mets. Game 904 at 1:10 eastern. This is a run line play at -1.5 runs as the Mets are heavily favored in this one. Teams like the Mets that are home favorites in this range have cashed nearly 90% of the time if they are off a home favored loss at -200 or higher and scored 2 or less runs and lost by 2 or more runs, vs an opponent like Houston that won as a road dog of +140 or higher and scored 4 or less runs. Houston with the win last night snapped their 8 game losing streak taking their road record to 13-51 on the year. They may be the only team playing worse than the Mets. New York will look to out an end to their 6 game losing streak with their ace. R.A. Dickey is on the mound today and he is 9-3 with a 2.37 home era. He will oppose Astros lefty Abad who has only pitched 23 innings this season and has a 3.86 era allowing 28 hits and 4 home runs so far this year. The Mets for all their struggle are actually 4 games over .500 in day games. Look for them to win this one today. On Saturday we hae another Huge day planeed led by the 6* NFL Preseason Play of the Year backed with an incredible 20-0 system. NFLX went 3-0 on Friday and is now on a 9-1 run. MLB Top play cashed Big as Bases is 20-8 of late. Today we have a Never Lost totals system and the 2012 Travers Stakes selections at Saratoga. I may add another bases play on the late update. Jump on and Cash out on Saturday. For the free play its the Mets on the run line. RV

NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: August 26th 2012
Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets
Current line: NY Jets (-2′/40′)

Carolina visits East Rutherford, N.J. to take on the NY Jets at 8pmET on Sunday night. The Panthers lost split their first two games, winning last week at home against Miami, 23-17. The Jets lost both games and have scored just nine points in two games.

Weather: 76 degrees with a 18% chance of rain.

The Jets are coming off a disappointing 8-8 SU season, they were 7-9 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Rex Ryan is 6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS and 8-4 Over in preseason. Carolina is coming off a 6-10 SU season, and they were 9-6-1 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 1-3 ATS in the preseason. Ron Rivera, in his second season, is 1-3 SU, 0-4 ATS and 2-2 O/U. (all stats are from before preseason play began)

CLICK HERE FOR FREE FOOTBALL PICKS FROM ATS CONSULTANTS

Outlook:
The Jets will be striving for much improved results on that side of the ball in Sunday’s encounter with the Carolina Panthers, a game in which both participants plan to play their starting units into the second half.

New York is the only team in the NFL that has failed to score a touchdown through the preseason’s first two weeks, and it’s mustered an anemic 160.5 total yards and 3.0 yards per play in losses to Cincinnati (17-6) and the New York Giants (26-3) — both league lows as well.

The Jets were particularly poor in last week’s clash with the rival Giants, netting a paltry 148 total yards and going 1-of-13 on third downs against the defending Super Bowl champions. A beleaguered offensive line also allowed quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow to be sacked a total of seven times on the night.

Sanchez did complete 9-of-11 attempts while running the offense the entire first half, but the under-fire third-year pro generated only 59 yards through the air and had an interception returned for a touchdown by Giants rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley.

Tebow was equally as uninspiring in his ballyhooed MetLife Stadium debut as a Jet. The popular former Heisman Trophy winner was an off-target 5-of-14 for 69 yards and took four sacks over the final two quarters.

Both quarterbacks were handcuffed by a depleted receiving corps that didn’t have top target Santonio Holmes (ribs, back) or expected contributors Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) and Chaz Schilens (ankle) in uniform against the Giants. Holmes is slated to return for Sunday’s tilt, though his snaps may be limited.

The Jets will also be making a notable change in the starting lineup, with much-maligned right tackle Wayne Hunter demoted to the second team in favor of Austin Howard, an undrafted third-year player who spent all of 2011 on Baltimore’s practice squad.

The team attempted to replace Hunter, responsible for 2 1/2 of the Giants’ seven sacks last week, just prior to the start of camp by acquiring former first-round pick Jeff Otah in a trade with the Panthers. The deal was voided after the injury-prone tackle failed his physical, however, and Carolina wound up releasing Otah afterward.

Carolina showed no such struggles on the offensive end in its Week 2 skirmish with Miami, with a razor-sharp Cam Newton leading the Panthers to 13 first- quarter points en route to a 23-17 decision over the visiting Dolphins.

The Panthers scored on all three of their early drives directed by Newton, with the 2011 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year racking up 119 yards on 8-of-11 passing and connecting on a touchdown strike to running back DeAngelo Williams.

Newton will be taking his shots against a Jets defense that won’t have nose tackle Sione Pouha (back) or safety Eric Smith (sprained knee), though there’s a good chance he’ll be doing so minus the services of all-star receiver Steve Smith. The prolific veteran is doubtful to play on Sunday after coming down with an infection in his left foot during the week.

The Panthers were already without projected No. 3 wideout David Gettis, who remains on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from an ACL tear and a subsequent hamstring problem.

On a more positive note, Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis could see action for the first time during this preseason on Sunday. The hard-luck defender has torn the ACL in his right knee three times in the last three seasons and was held out of the club’s first two outings with a calf strain.

Middle linebacker Jon Beason, who was inactive for the Miami game with a hamstring injury, may be kept out another week, however.

Be sure to visit ATSsportsline.com this year for winning football picks and expert football betting information from their team of experts. If you enjoyed this Steelers vs. Bills NFL Preseason week 3 picks article, then be sure to get even more wagering advice from ATS Consultants by signing up for their sports picks newsletter.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Detroit Tigers
Betting Pick: Detroit Tigers -110 odds (August 24th 2012)
CLICK HERE FOR DOC’S SPORTS PICKS

Doc’s Sports FREE PLAY MLB Friday August 24th 2012- Take #968 Detroit over LA Angels (7:05pm est): Not sure how much left in the tank the traveling LAA Angels have here in this one tonight, a game which will have a playoff type atmosphere for sure. Yesterday’s 14-13 winning battle versus the Boston Red Sox looked and felt like it may have taken quite a bit out of this surging Angels squad. Now asked to travel after that game to play a Detroit Tigers team who sits at home and waits their arrival, won’t be an easy task at all for the Angels here in this one.

Zack Greinke takes the hill for the Angels tonight and boy has this expierment not worked out well for LAA at this time. The reason for the Greinke troubles so far could be many things but the bottom line is things are jus a lot more difficult for a pitcher in American League than they are in the much easier National League. Add in the fact there seems to be some truth behind the fact that Greinke just doesn’t quite pitch as well when the heat is turned up on him and it should be really turned up in this one here in Detroit, where a sold out crowd is expected tonight for this big game. The Angels also look to be without Albert Pujols in this one as the slugger is slowed by some injury concerns at this time.

On the Tigers end of things there is also talk they may be without their best hitter but I get the feeling that Miguel Cabrera will suit up for this one for Detroit. His injury yesterday didn’t look serious and the reports are that he is fine, we shall see. Either way the Tigers are beasts at home as they continue to play as well as any team in baseball there, now having won 20 of their last 26 contests at home. They hand the ball here to Rick Porcello, a young guy who has pitched well before in these big time games. Porcello pitched a gem last week but allowed a late home run to spoil what was an outstanding outing for the right-hander. In fact the Tigers have won all five of the last five starts Porcello has had at home versus these Angels.

Play Detroit here in this one.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates -103 (August 24th 2012)
CLICK HERE FOR STEVE JANUS’ EXPERT PICKS

The Pirates come into Friday’s night series opener against the Brewers desperately searching for a win to get back on track. Pittsburgh was just swept in San Diego.

With a day off to regain their focus and a return to their home park, I fully expect the Pirates to answer the call tonight. Pittsburgh is an impressive 37-23 at home this season and will take on a Brewers squad that is a miserable 19-38 on the road.

If that isn’t enough to get you going. How about the Brewers are just 1-10 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning record and 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Pittsburgh is 21-6 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a losing record, 27-13 in their last 40 vs. National League Central, and 21-7 in their last 28 home games vs. a right-handed starter. BET THE PIRATES!

—5* NL CENTRAL BLUE CHIP GAME OF THE YEAR—

One of the Biggest Releases of the Entire Season! Steve Janus just cashed in his NFLX GOTM last night, but is going even bigger on Friday with his 5* NL Central Blue Chip GAME OF THE YEAR! If you want to clear the bases with a home run, it’s time to join this expert on an easy win! This amazing offer is GUARANTEED TO PROFIT or you play Saturday’s entire MLB card for FREE!

—5* NFLX AFC BLOCKBUSTER TOP PLAY—

Perfect 5-0 L5 NFLX Releases! Steve Janus won his AFC GOTM last night with ease on the Ravens -6.5 (won 48-17)! His incredible run has him RANKED 8TH OVERALL IN PRESEASON action! The money keeps on coming Friday with his 5* NFLX Seahawks/Chiefs Blockbuster Top Play! This special offer is GUARANTEED TO PROFIT or you play Saturday’s NFLX for FREE!

***COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON PASS SPECIAL OFFER – 8/23-8/29***

Steve Janus once again SHOWED A PROFIT IN 2011 COLLEGE FOOTBALL! He has now delivered 3 SEASONS IN THE BLACK over the last 4 years, including NO.1 OVERALL IN 2008!

As a sign of a appreciation to his long-term clients, Steve is offering his 2012-13 complete season pass for just $299.95 for the week leading up the start of the season! After that it will jump back up to $499.95!

That’s every game all the way up to the National Championship!

NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: August 25th 2012
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
Current Line: Pittsburgh (-2′/40′)

Pittsburgh visits Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo to take on the Bills at 7pmET. Pittsburgh has split their first two games, including beating Indy last week, 26-24 but not covering the 4. The Bills have lost both games but did cover their first game at home, losing to Washington 7-6 (+2.5). Last year, Pittsburgh beat Buffalo on the road, 19-16 laying 6.5 in the regular season.

Weather: 80 degrees with a 22% chance of rain.

Pittsburgh finished 12-4 SU last season, impressive considering the injuries. They were also 7-9 ATS and 6-10 Under in 2011. Mike Tomlin is 16-5 SU, 26-32-6 ATS and 25-31 Under in preseason. Buffalo is coming off going 6-10 SU, 6-9-1 ATS and 11-4-1 OVER last year. They went 0-3-1 ATS last year in preseason, while Chan Gailey is 4-14 SU and 5-11-2 ATS as a coach with Buffalo and Dallas in preseason. (All stats are from before the preseason).

CLICK HERE FOR FREE FOOTBALL PICKS FROM ATS CONSULTANTS

Outlook: The Pittsburgh Steelers opened camp with several big names on the physically unable to perform list, with running back Rashard Mendenhall, nose tackle Casey Hampton and offensive tackle Max Starks all making their way back from ACL tears and dominating outside linebacker James Harrison hobbled by a knee problem. Though Harrison remains sidelined following a recent scope, the other three have all been activated off the PUP list within the past two weeks.

Mendenhall still won’t be ready for Pittsburgh’s Week 1 matchup at Denver on Sept. 9, with October the more realistic target date for the two-time 1,000- yard rusher. Left tackle Starks has a chance to be back in action for Saturday’s contest, however, which would bolster a front line that’s had to undergo quite a bit of reshuffling thus far in camp.

The Steelers may be getting a welcome return from Mike Wallace in the near future as well, with multiple reports indicating that the holdout wide receiver plans to sign his contract offer and rejoin the team as soon as this weekend.

Isaac Redman will serve as Pittsburgh’s primary running back until Mendenhall is available, though the capable understudy is dealing with a nagging groin injury that kept him out of Sunday’s 26-24 win over Indianapolis. Jonathan Dwyer drew the start in Redman’s place and performed well, gaining a game-high 43 yards on eight carries.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception on the Steelers’ opening drive, but bounced back with a 57-yard touchdown strike to wideout Antonio Brown and finished his night 5-of-9 for 81 yards.

Pittsburgh’s seasoned defense picked off Colts rookie sensation Andrew Luck twice in the first half, with cornerback Ike Taylor taking his interception 49 yards for a touchdown late in the opening quarter.

The Bills will be seeking to bounce back from last week’s 36-14 loss at Minnesota, though an offense that struggled to move the ball in the preseason opener did show some encouraging signs.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a sharp 8-of-11 for 58 yards and connected with wide receiver Donald Jones for a 31-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter. Offseason addition Vince Young, vying to be Buffalo’s No. 2 option under center, may have sewn up the job after going 8-for-14 for 123 yards in relief of Fitzpatrick.

Bills head coach Chan Gailey announced a winner in another key camp competition on Tuesday, declaring rookie second-round pick Cordy Glenn the starter at left tackle for the club’s Sept. 9 skirmish against the New York Jets.

Buffalo also made some headlines earlier in the week by releasing former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Shawne Merriman, limited to a mere 23 games over the last four seasons due to constant injury problems, on Monday.

Key Injuries: Buffalo: CB Justin Rogers (ham), CB Terrence McGee (knee) are ? Pittsburgh: RB Isaac Redman (groin) is out. WR Mike Wallace (personal) is out. RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is out until October. LB James Harrison (knee) is out. LB Jason Worilds (knee) is out.

Be sure to visit ATSsportsline.com this year for winning football picks and expert football betting information from their team of experts. If you enjoyed this Steelers vs. Bills NFL Preseason week 3 picks article, then be sure to get even more wagering advice from ATS Consultants by signing up for their sports picks newsletter.

NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: August 25th 2012
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Redskins
Current line: Washington (-3′/43.5)

Indianapolis visits FedEx Field in Landover, Md., to take on the Washington Redskins on Saturday at 4pmET. The Colts have covered both of their games though they lost to Pittsburgh 26-24 last week on the road. The Skins are coming off falling to Chicago, 33-31 last week on the road. They are 1-1 this preseason. Last year, the Skins beat Indy on the road in preseason, 16-3.

Weather: 83 degrees with a 14% chance of rain.

Indianapolis is coming off a 2-14 SU season, and they were 6-10 ATS and 7-9 Under. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Chuck Pagano in his his first year as head coach. Washington is coming off a 5-11 SU season, which included going 7-9 ATS and 7-8-1 Under. Mike Shanahan is 47-29 SU, 42-32-1 ATS and 30-38 O/U in preseason with Washington, Denver and Oakland. (All stats are before the preseason).

CLICK HERE FOR FREE FOOTBALL PICKS FROM ATS CONSULTANTS

Outlook: Robert Griffin III makes his FedEx Field debut in Saturday’s incredibly intriguing preseason encounter with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, pitting the top two selections of the 2012 NFL Draft whose careers will be forever linked together against one another.

Luck was tabbed by the Colts to begin the post-Peyton Manning phase after being taken with the No. 1 overall choice of April’s draft, and the highly polished former Stanford star has certainly lived up to his lofty status through Indianapolis’ first two exhibition outings. Luck has completed over 63 percent (26-of-41) of his passes over that span for a total of 363 yards and two touchdowns, and the Colts have scored points on six on the 11 possessions (5 touchdowns, 1 field goal) he’s directed thus far.

The 22-year-old was intercepted twice in Indianapolis’ 26-24 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday, however, with his first pick of the night returned 49 yards for a touchdown by Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.

Griffin, who edged out Luck to win the coveted Heisman Trophy during his junior season at Baylor and was taken by Washington with the second overall pick, also had a bit of a rough night this past weekend. The charismatic young quarterback managed just 49 passing yards and was sacked three times while working the first half of Saturday’s 33-31 defeat at Chicago, losing a fumble on one occasion as well.

Fellow rookie Kirk Cousins had a far more productive night under center for Washington, although it came against predominantly Bears’ backups. The fourth- round choice racked up 264 yards and threw for three scores in the second half, completing 18-of-23 attempts along the way.

Aldrick Robinson, attempting to make the Redskins’ roster as a reserve wide receiver, helped his cause by hauling in a 49-yard touchdown pass from Cousins and finishing with 104 yards on six catches.

Cousins’ performance won’t be creating any serious discussion about a quarterback controversy, however, and Griffin was forced to operate against a stout Chicago defense behind an offensive line that was without three starters — right tackle Jammal Brown (hip), left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (knee) and right guard Chris Chester (ankle).

Brown and Lichtensteiger will likely sit out the entire preseason, but Chester is slated to man his regular post during Saturday’s tilt. Fullback Darrel Young, who missed Washington’s first two games with a strained hamstring, is expected back this week as well.

The Redskins continue to have some health concerns at running back, with veteran Tim Hightower (ACL surgery) and 2011 leading rusher Roy Helu (Achilles) yet to see action this preseason. Both players did practice on a limited basis this week, but each remains a question mark to suit up against the Colts.

Their injuries have second-year man Evan Royster, who amassed 20 yards on his two carries in the Chicago game, the favorite to open the regular season atop the depth chart at the position.

Luck will be facing a Washington defense that will be without top pass rusher Brian Orakpo (shoulder) and strong safety Brandon Meriweather (sprained knee), both of whom were forced out of last weekend’s loss. Ironman linebacker London Fletcher will play, however, after sitting out the Redskins’ most recent game due to illness.

The Colts also head to FedEx Field with a few offensive losses, most notably wide receiver Austin Collie. The injury-prone fourth-year pro sustained his fourth concussion in 21 months during the Pittsburgh game and will be surely held out for at least the remainder of the preseason.

Running backs Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore seem likely to be inactive a second straight week with rib injuries, as will right guard Mike McGlynn (ankle). Rookie Vick Ballard saw extended time with Carter and Moore sidelined against the Steelers and led Indianapolis with 34 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Collie’s absence could be offset by the possible return of speedy wide receiver Donnie Avery from a hip problem that’s forced him to miss the first two weeks.

Indianapolis’ headline injury on defense is to inside linebacker Pat Angerer, out for at least another month after fracturing his foot in the team’s victory over St. Louis on Aug. 12. End Cory Redding is doubtful for Saturday’s test with a mild MCL sprain suffered over the weekend.

Key Injuries: Indy: RB Mewelde Moore (ribs) is out. LB Pat Angerer (foot) is out indef. WR Austin Collie (concus) is out indef. DE Robert Mathis (shldr) is ? DE Cory Redding (knee) is out indef. RG Mike McGlynn (high ankle sprain) is out. WR Donnie Avery (hip) is dbtful. Washington: S Brandon Meriweather (knee) is dbtful. LB Brian Orakpo (shldr) is dbtful. G Kory LIchtensteiger (knee) is out indef. RB Tim Hightower (knee) is ? RB Roy Helu (Achilles) is dbtful.

Be sure to visit ATSsportsline.com this year for winning football picks and expert football betting information from their team of experts. If you enjoyed this Colts vs. Redskins NFL Preseason week 3 picks article, then be sure to get even more wagering advice from ATS Consultants by signing up for their sports picks newsletter.

Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals
MLB Pick: St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 -145 (August 23rd 2012)
CLICK HERE FOR JIMMY BOYD’S EXPERT MLB PICKS

The Astros have lost 6 in a row, and each of those 6 defeats have come by at least 2 runs. They are just 1-7 in Dallas Keuchel’s last 8 starts, and 6 of those losses came by 2 runs or more. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 5-1 in Jake Westbrook’s last 6 starts, and each of those 5 victories came by at least 2 runs. The Cards have also won Westbrook’s last 3 starts against the Astros with those 3 wins coming by 2 runs or more. St. Louis have won 4 straight versus Houston, and the last 3 wins have all been by at least 2 runs. Take the Cards on the run line.

Crush your sports book Thursday with Jimmy’s 5* 21-5 ATS NFLX *BEST BET* and 5* ‘Never Lost’ MLB *BEST BET*! Your man doesn’t stand a chance.

Jimmy is coming off a profitable week in the preseason, and with Monday’s 5* NFLX Monday Night Football Game of the Year winner on the Eagles, he improved to a DOMINANT 11-5 (69%) his L16 5* Top Plays on the gridiron! He kicks off Week 3 of the preseason in style with the BEST BET in Thursday’s slate. It’s backed by a GAME-BREAKING 21-5 ATS SUPER SYSTEM that will have you betting with confidence!

Fresh off Wednesday’s 5* Best Bet winner on the Braves -110 (5-1 over Washington), the 2007 MLB World Champ is loading up on another GOLDEN investment opportunity! A NEVER LOST trend is part of a PERFECT 22-0 GAME-BREAKING ANGLE in support of this play! This is easily the BEST BET in Thursday’s MLB slate.

Week 3 NFL Preseason Picks: August 24th 2012
New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Bucs
Current line: New England (-6′/44)

Tennessee takes on Tampa Bay at 7:30pmET from Raymond James Stadium on Friday night. The Titans are coming off losing at Seattle, 27-17, getting 3, while Tampa Bay defeated Miami on the road, 20-7 as a 3-point dog. These two teams met in the regular season last year, with Tennessee (-3/44) winning, 23-17.

Weather: 83 degrees, 30% chance of Thunderstorms.

New England is coming off a 13-3 SU season in 2011, while going 9-7 ATS and 11-5 O/U. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason, while Bill Belichick is 38-31 SU lifetime in preseason (36-28-5 ATS, 25-33-2 Under). Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing 4-12 season, they were 4-12 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 3-1 ATS in the preseason and Greg Schiano is a brand new coach.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE FOOTBALL PICKS FROM ATS CONSULTANTS

Outlook:
The New England Patriots may only have a few days to prepare for Friday’s preseason clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the defending AFC champions will still be entering Raymond James Stadium as a very rested team.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick opted to hold out a plethora of big-name players for Monday’s game against Philadelphia, with quarterback Tom Brady the most prominent member of that long list. Also among those given the night off were wide receivers Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, tight end Aaron Hernandez, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, linebacker Jerod Mayo, defensive end Rob Ninkovich and cornerback Devin McCourty.

All of the above are fully expected to be back in uniform for Friday’s tussle, which will serve as the primary regular-season prep for both teams. New England may have a few previously injured members now available as well, with All-Pro left guard Logan Mankins (knee surgery), right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) and tight end Daniel Fells (leg) all activated from the physically unable to perform list within the last two weeks.

The Patriots likely won’t have starting safety Patrick Chung, who left Monday’s 27-17 loss to the Eagles after hurting his shoulder, while wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (leg) and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) figure to sit out another week after also missing the Philadelphia game.

New England also surprisingly released veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene on Tuesday, citing an unreported knee condition as the reasoning.

Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer struggled in stepping in for Brady on Monday, with the backup duo completing a combined 15-of-37 attempts for 160 yards on the night. Mallett did throw a touchdown pass to Alex Silvestro early in the second quarter, however.

McCourty and Silvestro, a former defensive lineman attempting to make the Pats as a converted tight end, both played collegiately for former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, a close associate of Belichick who’s in his first year in charge of the rebuilding Buccaneers.

Schiano’s debut went rather well, with the Bucs posting a 20-7 victory at Miami in their preseason opener, but weren’t anywhere near as sharp in last Friday’s 30-7 trouncing at the hands of visiting Tennessee.

Tampa Bay’s offense was virtually non-existent against the Titans, producing a paltry 81 total yards and six first downs for the contest. Starting signal- caller Josh Freeman did complete a short touchdown pass to Mike Williams in the first quarter, but ended his evening just 4-of-10 for 21 yards.

Rookie running back Doug Martin, one of two first-round picks by the Buccaneers in this past draft, compiled 23 rushing yards on seven carries in the loss. The Boise State product could be in line for quite a bit of action in this one, with backfield mate LeGarette Blount’s status in question after straining his groin in Friday’s setback.

Schiano is hopeful tight end Luke Stocker will be ready to go after missing last week’s tilt with a concussion, but left tackle Donald Penn (calf), wide receiver Arrelious Benn (knee), defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (Achilles) and cornerback E.J. Biggers (broken foot) remain sidelined for Tampa Bay.

Brady threw for a pair of touchdowns in New England’s 31-14 triumph over the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium last August. Tampa Bay has usually had the upper hand in this preseason series, however, winning seven of the nine all-time exhibition meetings between the clubs.

Key Injuries: New England: S Patrick Chung (shldr) is ? OT Sebastian Vollmer (back) is dbtful. OG Logan Mankins (knee), LB Brandon Spikes (knee) are on the PUP list. Tampa Bay: RB LeGarrette Blount (groin) is ? WR Arrelious Benn (knee) is out indef.

Be sure to visit ATSsportsline.com this year for winning football picks and expert football betting information from their team of experts. If you enjoyed this New England vs. Tampa Bay Week 3 NFL preseason picks article, then be sure to get even more wagering advice from ATS Consultants by signing up for their sports picks newsletter.